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The other end of Dell
Subject: Systems | July 5, 2007 - 02:57 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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[H]ard|OCP recently put the high end $5600 710 H2C Dell, and now they are examining their value end, with the $1000 Dimension E521. Not only do they put the machine, as configured by Dell, through the wringer, they also scoop up a few higher end video cards to see if they can beef up the performance after the fact. That testing lead to a few interactions with Dell's tech support. Head over and get the full story.
All inclusive deal
Subject: Systems | June 28, 2007 - 01:48 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Legion Hardware has specked out a nice midrange system, that includes a 22" monitor as well as a C2D E6420, ASUS P5N-E SLI = $130, 2GB of DDR2-800 and a 640MB eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS. Check out the results of the build as well as the overclocking potential.
If you want a second opinion, head to the PC Perspective Hardware Leaderboard, where there are 4 recommended builds.
VIA Introduces EPIA LT-Series Mini-ITX Mainboard
Subject: Systems | June 27, 2007 - 11:15 AM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Meeting customer's requirements for connectivity and versatility, the VIA EPIA LT mainboard, featuring the VIA CX700 system media processor, offers a number of innovative features for the fast-growing x86-based embedded market.
The secrets of Tesla
Subject: Systems | June 21, 2007 - 05:51 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Not too many sites have had much to say about Tesla, the newly announced GPGPU from nVIDIA. You can count PC Perspective in amongst the sites that have, as well as PenStar Systems. Heading over there will give you an idea of the hardware that makes this card tick, as well as the software it will be running; CUDA.
Serious power for content creation
Subject: Systems | June 15, 2007 - 01:32 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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While Intel's V8 system is not going to be used for much in the way of gaming, those who spend there time at the PC creating various multimedia content will probably pony up the money required to purchase one. HotHardware puts the system to the test, focusing on programs that benefit from the V8's multi-threading capabilities, which is where this system really shines.
A new home for HTPCs
Subject: Systems | June 14, 2007 - 06:02 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Big Bruin reviews the lengthily named nMEDIAPC HTPC 500SA ATX Media Center PC Case. They found that it's ample ventilation keeps the temperatures very reasonable with essentially silent operation. The VFD on the front adds a nice touch, even if it does need drivers, and the awkwardness of PSU and HDD cage installation is to expected in an attractive HTPC case. Read on to see what else this case has to offer.
Alienware launches Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center
Subject: Systems | June 6, 2007 - 11:14 AM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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MIAMI - June 5, 2007 - To ensure the ultimate entertainment experience right
from your living room, Alienware - the leading manufacturer of
high-performance desktop, notebook and professional systems - has introduced
the new Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center.
AMD Validated Server Program Partners Unveil First Platforms Demonstrating Upcoming Quad-Core
Subject: Systems | June 5, 2007 - 11:29 AM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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TAIPEI, Taiwan - June 5, 2007 - AMD (NYSE AMD) today announced three leading vendors attending Computex Taipei are unveiling their server platforms demonstrating the industry's first native x86 quad-core solution, Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors (codenamed "Barcelona"). "Barcelona" processors are expected to deliver up to 50 to 80 percent performance and performance-per-watt improvements on a broad range of server applications over similar current generation AMD Opteron processors.
Doing figure 8s around the competition
Subject: Systems | May 30, 2007 - 05:47 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Those lucky souls over at the Tech Report got their hands on a V8 system from Intel. An 8 core Xeon X5365 3.0GHz, Intel's S500XVN motherboard, 4GBs of RAM and a whole suite of benchmarks await. As you might expect from a Xeon, you don't see a huge jump in gaming performance (though a 3DMark06 CPU score of
[H] visits Puget Sound again
Subject: Systems | May 9, 2007 - 04:55 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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[H]ard|OCP takes their 4th look at Puget Custom Computers with a totally customized build. With a C2D E6400, a P5N-E SLI, 2GB of Kingston's 667MHz DDR2 and a silent 7950 GT the box is built to handle most apps you might throw at it. In the past reviews Puget has managed to offer stellar service in most categories, but there have always been troublesome areas that diminished [H]'s experience, and their rating. Can this be the system that goes the extra mile?
Seriously compact HTPC
Subject: Systems | May 3, 2007 - 01:34 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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The Ion DEC-180 is a marvel of compactness, hiding a 1.66 GHz Intel C2D, a 100GB SATA HDD, 1GB DDR2 memory and integrated video, network and 5.1 sound in a 8"x 9"x 2" case. PC Mechanic found it incredibly easy to setup and use to record TV. They though the picture quality was good, but not as good as some that they have seen, and hope for a HDD expansion for they could only manage about 50hrs of TV at a reasonable resolution.
VELOCITY MICRO ACQUIRES GAMING BOUTIQUE OVERDRIVE PC
Subject: Systems | May 1, 2007 - 06:19 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Richmond, VA — May 1, 2007 — Velocity Micro, the largest independent U.S. builder of custom, high performance computers and workstations, announced today that it has acquired Overdrive PC, a U.S. based boutique manufacturer of highly overclocked gaming and multimedia computer systems. Following the acquisition, Velocity Micro and Overdrive PC will maintain individual brand identities to collaboratively provide high quality, performance systems for a broad range of professional, enthusiast, and PC gaming customers.
Alienware's new Vista box
Subject: Systems | May 1, 2007 - 01:29 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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[H]ard|OCP reviews the Alienware Aurora 7500-R4, an AMD based machine running Vista. With an A64 FX 5200+, 1GB of 800MHz DDR2 and a 7950GT it does meet the specs for running Vista, but can Alienware manage to make Vista rock solid? Keep reading to see the final verdict in full detail, from the purchase straight through to their Tech Support, with a little gaming in between.
Mediagate keeps HTPC simple
Subject: Systems | April 17, 2007 - 05:33 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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MediaGate has designed the MG-350HD, a stripped down media PC, with wired and wireless networking and support for most A/V systems, high def or not ... but no hard drive. Without the hard drive, it is still able to stream media from a PC, but with a hard drive it can play directly from it. ExtremeTech tried one out, and you can see what they thought in their article.
Maingear maintains it's reputation
Subject: Systems | April 13, 2007 - 12:58 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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One problem with scoring high on a system review at [H]ard|OCP, is keeping the quality of your system, ordering and support high enough not to disappoint them when they next review you. Maingear is a great example, not only of a stellar review the first time around, but also being able to maintain that level of service. Read their review of the Maingear X-Cube to see how they managed to pull it off.
Another CableCard PC Pictured and Reviewed
Subject: Systems | April 10, 2007 - 02:52 PM | Ryan Shrout
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Looking for some more information on the upcoming AMD CableCard-ready TV tuner and systems using them? Then head over to this quick preview at
An HTPC for the discriminating enthusiast
Subject: Systems | March 27, 2007 - 05:41 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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The Zalman HD160XT bills itself as the Ultimate HTPC ... and with a 7" touchscreen it may have a case to base that on. Since it will happily fit a full ATX board the three 80mm and single 92mm fans will keep your system cool if you choose to put some serious heat producing hardware inside. Tweaknews fell in love with the screen, the remote and the case, so read on and see if you do too.
Small time gamer
Subject: Systems | March 27, 2007 - 03:11 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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[H]ard|OCP picked up a SFF gaming PC from Hypersonic, the Phantom GX. With it's $2500 dollar price tag, a GeForce 7900 seems a little light, and [H] found that the biggest customization in the box was the use of tape for wire management. Head over to read the review, and their interesting encounters when phoning HyperSonic's Tech Support.
Take your HTPC to the extreme
Subject: Systems | March 6, 2007 - 05:48 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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ExtremeMhz has published the Extreme HTPC Guide. They did quite a thorough guide, covering 3 pages of hardware choices that focus on telling you what options are out there, and which you might want, as opposed to giving you a choice of one or two cards. The software section continues along the same vein, offering an overview of the software available, and the options, letting you decide what you need. Drop by to see a great guide on building your dream HTPC from scratch.
New goodies in the Leaderboard
Subject: Systems | March 5, 2007 - 03:54 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
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Ryan has been busily updating the PC Perspective Hardware Leaderboard. Every system has been tweaked, and in some cases the performance increased and the price decreased.
The new superclocked 8800's appear in both the Dream System and the High End System. The Mid Range and Budget systems have new motherboards that offer good features.
Check them out!